The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is exploring ways of investing in waste disposal in Zimbabwe through converting raw sewer and garbage into energy.

Harare Mayor Muchadeyi Masunda is quoted in the Daily News as saying the foundation has already engaged a team of consultants to look into the city’s solid waste with a view of installing facilities to convert it into power.

Masunda told the newspaper the project will go a long way in creating employment and reducing environmental degradation through the elimination of industrial and domestic pollution.

The Gates Foundation already sponsors a $5 million housing scheme for low-income earners in Harare’s Dzivarasekwa high density suburb.

The project was initially targeted at 500 Mbare residents but was moved to Dzivarasekwa high density suburb after Chipangano – a militant group believed to be linked to President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF – blocked it claiming it was being spearheaded by the Movement for Democratic Change.

Energy Minister Elton Mangoma said this project will boost power supplies in the city.